Success Stories

England’s Jonny May opens new project for Gloucester

England rugby international Jonny May, joined Wooden Spoon to open a new inclusive sports facility at Heart of the Forest Community Special School in Gloucestershire. The school which caters for children from 3 to 19 with severe and profound learning difficulties, will now have better access to their cycling track, large grass field and play area equipment.

The new pavilion, which includes a basic kitchen and changing facilities, aims to give pupils the encouragement to take part in sports activities and clubs. Previously pupils and their families had often found recreational activities challenging due to the lack of adequate equipment and facilities or through a lack of experience and confidence.

“It will make a huge difference and it’s vital in terms of getting our youngsters outside,” said head teacher Melissa Bradshaw. “Our outdoor space was being under-utilised because no sooner had they walked down to the field but they’d have to go back to the main building to have their different needs met.”

Jonny May really enjoyed meeting all involved with the Wooden Spoon funded project.

“To open the facility is a huge privilege and the kids are awesome,” he said. “They’re a great group and it’s really nice they can make the most of the area thanks to the pavilion Wooden Spoon has helped to provide. It’s great to see Wooden Spoon use the money that’s raised in Gloucestershire to give an end product in Gloucestershire.

“It will allow all the kids here to get use out of this amazing field and have some good times here.”

Wooden Spoon Gloucestershire raised £40,000 to help towards the cost of the pavilion with events at Kingsholm, Cheltenham Races and various golf days. Chair of Wooden Spoon Gloucestershire, Tim Heal said: “It’s proven to be a fantastic facility and it’s been well received by the school.

“What makes this facility so special, as we have seen today, is the joy on the faces of the children who will benefit from it.”

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